Exclusive: Trinidad James Signs With Def Jam

Trinidad James Performs in NYC; Brings Out Def Jam and Atlantic Records Execs

Trinidad James has been the talk of the music industry since his hit, "All Gold Everything," arrived months ago. The Atlanta rapper has chosen to sign with Def Jam Recordings, the label's president, Joie Manda, tells Billboard exclusively.

"Def Jam, thank you for believing," says Trinidad James. The signing also includes a joint venture with the rapper's Gold Gang Records. Trinidad is now on the same imprint as Kanye West, 2 Chainz and more.

"We're excited to welcome a young talent like Trinidad James to the Def Jam family," Joie Manda says. "Def Jam prides itself as both a cornerstone of hip-hop's rich tradition, and as a vital, forward-thinking label dedicated to breaking and nurturing emerging artists. Trinidad James represents the cutting-edge of what's happening in the culture today. We are thrilled to have him at the label, and look forward to growing his already massive buzz."

There was much speculation which record label James would sign to, especially after notable record executives were spotted at his NYC show in Dec. 4. Label executives including Def Jam's Joie Manda, Shawn Pecas, Chris Atlas, and Barry Weiss and Atlantic Records' Mike Keyser were amongst those in attendance.

Trinidad James' video for "All Gold Everything" has garnered close to 2.7 million views since uploaded in October. His mixtape, "Don't Be S.A.F.E." which includes his "Gold" hit is available on iTunes.